Number of building projects on the rise

Aberdeen area sees jump in permits issued for home alterations, building, demolition

Aberdeen area sees jump in permits issued for home alterations, building, demolition

April 29, 2007|By Emily Arthur, American News Writer

As Aberdeen readies for warm weather and road construction, the peak of the building season is also around the corner. While the number of building projects in Aberdeen stayed steady - for the most part - last year, some area building officials are expecting the building construction industry to boom this year as material prices remain low and home remodelers try to capitalize on projected economic development in or around the area. "There's probably more interest in home remodeling than there's been in the past, and that's basically due to some of the things going on around town as far as the businesses coming in," said Al Rieger, an account services manager for Menards in Aberdeen. "I think some people are trying to buy homes, and then flip them to make a profit. And right now, building materials are probably at the best price they've been in five years." Rieger's statement is supported by building permit numbers kept by the city's planning and zoning department for last year. According to the figures, 916 building permits were issued for home alterations last year, a jump from the 696 issued in 2005. Aberdeen has also experienced a steady jump in the number of building projects happening in the past 15 years, especially in the housing market. In 1991, only 12 housing permits were filed with the city. In 2001, the number jumped to 49. In 2005 and 2006, it grew to nearly 70 - 65 in 2005 and 68 in 2006. "You have a lot of people who are still getting involved in the remodeling, but you also still have a lot of people who want to try to make their home dream come true," said Stuart Campbell, owner and manager of Campbell's Town and Country in Aberdeen. "I expect to see an average to above-average building season. ...I see some good things. I see some people trying to invest in their community, and I really hope it continues that way." So do city officials, who have watched the growth come full circle. "The nice thing with the new housing is that we've been steady," said Brett Bill, Aberdeen's planning and zoning director. "We'd like to see that number go up, but for right now, we're doing OK ...There's been a lot of new buildings, a lot of maintenance to the ones we already have and there's been more demolition too. All of that is good." The city has turned a large part of its focus to the removal of rundown homes and dwellings that can no longer be occupied. In 2005, 33 demolition permits were issued. In 2006, the number jumped to 45. Other building permit categories have increased as well, partly because the city's planning and zoning department is staffed better than it used to be, said Paula Nelson, the administrative assistant who keeps track of how many permits are issued each year. For example, Chad Nielson, a building inspector for the city, now works closely with the city's fire department to monitor which houses have experienced fire damage and have had to have work done. "Code enforcement is playing a huge role as well," Nelson said. "Another part of the increase in permits could be that the rural development program is now able to issue loans for residences rather than just agriculture." That's good news to the building industry, which was affected by the drought last year. While building-related numbers were favorable, some officials said they could have been better. "We are very ag related in Aberdeen," said Dale Urlacher, manager of United Building Centers. "When our farmers and ranchers suffer, we all suffer." Still, there are plenty of reasons to be excited, Urlacher said. As economic development continues to take off in Aberdeen, so will the building industry, he said. "We're very excited for the potential of Aberdeen to grow," Urlacher said. "Not just for this year, but for years to come. It's very exciting to see the people of Aberdeen going forward. Every new project will continue to make that happen." Reporter Emily Arthur (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314; earthur@aberdeennews.com